A guide to the perfect Valentine's Day nails, from pink French tips to dark looks (2024)

Valentine's Day is a day for love, chocolate, good food and perhaps nailing down that perfect manicure for a date night out.

But there are so many trends going around now, it can be hard to pick the best look for you. When picking a nail design that's just right, there are few factors to consider, including cost, time and whether or not you'll need help from a manicurist to accomplish it.

It's also good to consider if the design will suit your nail length. For example, certain designs might look crowded on shorter nails. But fear not, there are plenty of fun options for nails of all shapes and sizes.

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Here is some Valentine's Day nail inspo to help you decide.

Cat eye magnetic heart manicure

This trend took TikTok by storm this year, but it is a bit difficult to do.

TikTokers posted how-tos, results and even alternatives for folks who were struggling to get it just right.

There is no need to fret if pink isn't the first color of choice. It can be done in all shades and suits nails of all lengths.

Multicolor mani

Those who can't choose between colors can opt for this mani. The right hand can be painted red, while the left can be pink. The pinky and ring finger on the left has tiny red hearts, while the pinky and ring finger on the right hand has little pink hearts.

It doesn't have to be just pink or red either. It would work with any color combo as long as those itty bitty hearts are the opposite color.

Color combo ideas: Black and white, red and white, pink and yellow, purple and pink, pastel green and blue.

Again, this design works great for any nail length because it doesn't need much space to get the desired result.

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Sweet and pink

While this mani can complement any nail shape, the heart on the ring finger might look crowded on shorter nails. However, the three different colors can work for any length even without the design.

There is something to keep in mind when showing this design to a manicurist. Salons might charge customers an additional fee if they want to get designs on their nails and it might vary depending on how complicated the design is.

Talk to the manicurist about prices to help make the bill less surprising.

Complicated but cute

Speaking of being cautious with manicures, this look with different designs for each nail could get pricey.

Plus, those with shorter nails might have to opt in for nail extensions so the design doesn't look too crowded or wonky, adding to the final bill.

Lovely Frenchie

This French manicure features alternating, dual-colored tips with hearts in the middle of the opposite color, similar to the second manicure listed.

It's another manicure that will work with colors besides the original pink and red.

The nail shape shouldn't make a huge difference in the final look, but the length might.

Even more inspiration

For those who aren't into the more complicated designs or into pink at all, here are a few more options.

Sweet and simple

Here is another design for the short nails. This manicure gives Valentine's vibes with or without the ring finger design. Those looking for a simpler, quicker mani can opt for something like this instead.

It doesn't require too much space and isn't overly complicated.

Black hearts

Hate pink? No problem. Here is a dark and mysterious Valentine's nail option that works for any length.

The matte base coat and glossy hearts look like sheer stockings. Length and size don't seem to impact the look, which can make it a great option for those who have extra short nails.

Whether you choose to go full glam or do a simple and sweet look, happy Valentine's Day!

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Valentine's Day nails 2024: Inspo for pink looks, short nails, hearts